If you are craving ultimate comfort food, there is nothing quite like an Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe to warm your soul. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken with fluffy, homemade dumplings swimming in a creamy, savory broth. It’s one of those timeless classics that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. The best part is how straightforward the ingredients come together to create layers of rich flavor without hours of preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible texture and taste. From the hearty chicken to the flaky dumplings, these staples are simple yet essential to achieving that home-cooked magic.
- 4 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped: Using leftover or rotisserie chicken makes prep even easier and adds tender protein throughout.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Adds a subtle crunch and refreshing earthiness that balances the richness.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Brings creamy depth and a velvety texture to the broth base.
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid foundation that keeps everything moist and savory.
- 3 cans of water (use the empty soup can to measure): Extends the broth to perfect consistency without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 cups self-rising flour: The key to light, fluffy dumplings without complicated mixing or extra rising time.
- ¼ cup shortening: Adds flakiness and richness to the dumpling dough for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup boiling water (add gradually as needed): Helps bind the dough quickly while keeping it tender.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth Mixture
Start by combining chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water in a large soup pot. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then cover and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. This simmering phase allows all those flavors to meld beautifully as you get the dumplings ready.
Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough
While your broth is simmering, grab a large mixing bowl and add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—a flaky texture is what we’re aiming for here, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Form the Dough Ball
Next, pour in boiling water gradually—starting with about half a cup—and stir gently as you go. The dough should just come together into a soft but workable ball. If it feels too dry, add a splash more water, but be careful not to overhydrate.
Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Dumplings
Lightly dust your countertop with some flour and roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a knife to cut it into strips and squares. This classic shape lets the dumplings cook evenly and soak up all that savory broth while maintaining a delightful bite.
Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Broth
Remove the pot’s lid and add the dumpling squares one by one to the boiling broth. Cover the pot quickly after each addition to keep the temperature steady. Give about 30 seconds between each addition so they have space to set and fluff up properly.
Step 6: Simmer the Dumplings
After all dumplings are in, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving the pot uncovered. Let everything cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Near the end, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Optional Drop Dumplings
If you prefer a quicker, softer dumpling style, skip the rolling and cutting. Pinch off small, uniform pieces of dough and drop them directly into the boiling pot. Simmer until they’re cooked through and tender.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle this comforting Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe into warm bowls, ensuring you get a good portion of chicken, broth, and dumplings in every scoop. It’s a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate this humble dish in a snap. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme brightens the plate visually and adds a pop of fresh herbal flavor. For a bit of heat, a dash of cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes also complements the creamy broth beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables gives some fresh texture contrast. A slice of crusty bread or buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up any leftover broth, making your meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chicken and dumplings in rustic ceramic bowls to bring out that homey vibe, or present it in smaller, individual ramekins as a charming starter for a cozy dinner party. Drizzle a bit of olive oil or a pat of melting butter on top just before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious. Use within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe also freezes well. Freeze in portion-sized containers, but keep in mind dumplings can sometimes change texture slightly after thawing. To minimize this, flash freeze the dumplings separately on a baking sheet before adding them to the broth when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent the dumplings from sticking to the bottom. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems thick. Microwaving is fine for quick meals, just cover and heat in short intervals to keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer cooking your own chicken, simmer boneless, skinless chicken breasts in broth until cooked through, then shred or chop before adding to the soup base. This adds fresh flavor but requires a bit more prep time.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dumplings remain the same, creating a satisfying meat-free alternative.
How do I make the dumplings fluffier?
For lighter dumplings, avoid over-mixing the dough and be sure to quickly cover the pot as you add each dumpling. Cooking them gently without stirring too much helps maintain their fluffy, tender texture.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, but you’ll need to add baking powder and salt to mimic self-rising flour. Typically, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of all-purpose flour to get a similar rise.
How long can I store the leftovers before they go bad?
Stored properly in the fridge, leftovers should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or mold before reheating to ensure food safety.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to your dining table with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this hearty dish never fails to satisfy and comfort. I truly hope you give it a try and make it a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Easy Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe delivers a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day. Tender cooked chicken combined with celery and a creamy chicken broth forms a flavorful base, while homemade soft dumplings made from self-rising flour and shortening cook right in the bubbling broth. Simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, this dish is perfect for family dinners, offering both warmth and nostalgia.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans chicken broth
- 3 cans of water (use the empty soup can to measure)
Dumplings
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¾ cup boiling water (add gradually as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Place the chopped chicken, celery, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and measured water into a large soup pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently while you prepare the dumpling dough.
- Make Dumpling Dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the self-rising flour. Cut in the shortening using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring even fat distribution for tender dumplings.
- Add Boiling Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water, starting with about half a cup. Stir gently and add more water as needed, until the dough forms a soft ball that is pliable but not sticky.
- Roll and Cut Dumplings: Dust a clean surface with flour, then roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips and squares suitable for dumplings.
- Add Dumplings to Broth: Remove the lid from the simmering broth. Add the dumpling pieces one at a time into the pot, quickly covering after each addition to maintain the heat. Allow about 30 seconds between each to prevent sticking.
- Simmer Dumplings: Once all dumplings are added, reduce the heat to low and let them simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Optional Drop Dumplings: For soft, fluffy drop dumplings, skip rolling out the dough. Instead, pinch off small, uniform pieces and drop them directly into the boiling broth. Simmer as directed until cooked through.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls and enjoy warm, savoring the comforting flavors and tender textures.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Using self-rising flour eliminates the need for additional leavening agents in the dumplings.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasonings according to your taste once the dish is cooked.
- If you like a thicker broth, you can reduce the amount of added water slightly.
- For dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup alternative.
